From Wednesday's scrimmage between the Grand Rapids Junior Sled Wings and the Russian national team during intermission of the Grand Rapids Griffins game. (Photo courtesy of Mary Free Bed)

International Youth Sled Hockey Invitational kicks off Saturday in Grand Rapids

 

By @MichaelCaples –

Hockey players from across the world will be coming to Grand Rapids this weekend for the Internatioanl Youth Sled Hockey Invitational.

The tournament features teams from the Youth Russian National All-Star Sled Hockey Team, along with the Hope Inc. Hurricanes from Minnesota and North Dakota, and the Space Coast Blast from Florida. The Grand Rapids Junior Sled Wings, will be hosting the event at the Patterson Ice Center.

“We are excited for our athletes to have this very unique opportunity to play against top-level competition,” said Junior Sled Wings Coach Steve Kozlowski in a release. “This will be a great opportunity for socializing, culture and sportsmanship for all athletes.”

The field will feature 45 athletes with physical disabilities and three of the last five U.S. national championship-winning teams.

Schedule:

Saturday, Nov. 2

7:30 a.m.             Game #1 – Space Coast vs Russia

8:45 a.m.             Game #2 – Hope Inc. vs. Grand Rapids

1:00 p.m.             Game #3 – Space Coast vs. Hope Inc.

2:15 p.m.             Game #4 – Russia vs. Grand Rapids

Sunday, Nov. 3

8:30 a.m.             Game #5 – Hope Inc. vs. Russia

8:40 a.m.             Game #6 – Grand Rapids vs. Space Coast

12:30 p.m.          Consolation Game – Teams TBD

1:45 p.m.             Championship Game – Teams TBD

 

The Grand Rapids Junior Sled Wings, is sponsored by Mary Free Bed’s Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports Department, the Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation and Rinks to Links.